[M]y decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention’s leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be “subservient” to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service.

This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths. Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women’s equal rights across the world for centuries.

At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.

Joe Windish, thank you for this article. Jimmy and Roslyn Carter, a former President and First Lady that I have actually met, have long been my heroes. These wonderful people continue to astound and inspire me.

RememebrNovember

He may not have been the best President, but he’s a good human being. Says something about your church when a leader of this country leaves it.

Davebo

I don’t think he’s leaving the church again, but explaining why he did so 15 years ago. Hence the six decades reference.

newtothis

I was raised Southern Baptist and know first hand how the church defends it’s patriarchal views- citing certain Bible verses to put us women back in our place. It’s all about protecting their power and privilege. It’s hypocritical to think a women can not be a pastor or minister just because of her genitalia. I wonder how all those Southern Baptist ministers who have daughters look their little girls in the eye.

imavettoo

My father was a Southern Baptist minister for about 50 yrs but finally decided he wasn’t cut out for the SBC after all. It broke his heart that all of the things stated above were literally treated as the Gospel.